Paralympics

I heard someone talking about the Paralympics the other day and I realized that I really didn't know much about this contest. I had the vague understanding that it was something like the Olympic games, but for disabled individuals, but nothing more than that. Soooo, I decided to do some research...

The Paralympics have existed in some form since 1948, originally designed for injured veterans' participation, but have run along with the regular Olympic games since 1988, sharing the same host city and facilities, but a few weeks later.

The Paralympics are designed for individuals with a variety of disabilities, including amputees; those with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke or similar disabilities affecting muscle control, balance or coordination; athletes with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities which require them to compete in a wheelchair; those who are visually impaired; and also people with a few other physical disabilities like dwarfish, MS, and congenital deformities, that don't fit into the previous categories. Previously individuals with intellectual disabilities were also included, but due to some cheating in this category, this category is currently suspended.

The Special Olympics are sometimes confused with the Paralympics, but they are designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The Paralympics, like the Olympics, consist of many many events, and require serious training to participate. Unfortunately, as of yet, the Paralympics don't have the press coverage and name recognition of the Olympics, or probably of the Special Olympics, but a medal winner, or even a participant in these contests, is a serious athlete who deserves serious recognition.